BURO Orders: 10 Dishes we tried at Osteria Emilia—and what we thought

With Italian cuisine being one of the most popular cuisines worldwide, it’s no wonder why Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in the Klang Valley. Osteria Emilia is among the latest additions to this list, tucked inside 163 Retail Park in Mont Kiara. 

Opened in April 2023, the restaurant features a contemporary setting with floor-to-ceiling wine shelves framing the space, displaying an arsenal of whites and reds. Tall and wide windows allow natural sunlight to illuminate the space, which offers semicircular booths and banquet tables that can accommodate small to large groups. There’s even a separate pet-friendly area for customers to dine in with their four-legged companions. 

You’ll find a variety of antipasti, risotto, pasta, pizza, mains, and desserts on the menu, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re a fan of the wood-fired sourdough pizzas from its sister establishment—Proof Pizza in APW—you’ll be glad to know they’re also served here! In case you’re lost on what to order, read Team BURO Malaysia’s picks and reviews below to help you decide. 

 

Risotto al Tartufo con Funghi, RM44

Truffle Risotto with Forest Mushrooms

“I usually lean towards pasta when dining at Italian restaurants, but opted for risotto upon checking the menu as it’s been a while since I last indulged in it. Specifically, I ordered the Risotto al Tartufo con Funghi—truffle risotto with sautéed forest mushrooms, spinach and aged parmesan. The dish was expertly prepared with grains that struck the perfect balance—soft yet firm and not overly mushy.

“In terms of flavour, it was wonderfully creamy with a pronounced truffle essence, a quality that I appreciate in my truffle dishes. However, the generous portion size rendered the meal quite rich and monotonous after a few spoonfuls. I would recommend considering a side dish or appetiser to introduce some variety and to break both the monotony and fullness.” —Sarah Hani Jamil, Editor-in-Chief

 

Linguine con Vongole e Capesante, RM40

Linguine Pasta with Venus Clams and Scallops

“Oh, the Linguine con Vongole e Capesante I ordered is a total taste adventure! Picture this: perfectly cooked linguine with plump clams in a symphony of garlic-laden flavours. The briny kick from the clams is a seafood fiesta that leaves you with a satisfied tummy. Simple yet sophisticated, this dish is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come in a bowl of pasta! P.S—if you’re ordering this, I’d suggest asking for some chilli flakes to add some subtle spice that’ll tingle the tastebuds.” —Naseem Randhawa, Special Projects Director

 

Risotto alla Zafferano con Guanciale Brasato, RM48 & Insalata di Burrata e Momotaro, RM52

Saffron Risotto with Braised Beef Cheeks & Burrata and Momotaro Salad

“Although I’d normally opt for pasta, I find it harder to get a good risotto in KL, so I was curious to find out if Osteria Emilia’s version meets the mark. I’m happy to report that the Saffron Risotto I had lived up to expectations with a balanced, creamy texture that’s not too cloying. The earthy notes of the rice are also well-complemented by the tender braised beef cheeks, making for a comforting dish overall. 

“I’ll admit that the risotto portion seemed on the smaller side at first, but it turned out to be quite filling, especially if you share a starter like the refreshingly delicious buffalo mozzarella caprese salad we ordered for the table. Other than that, the dining atmosphere is modern and inviting, which warrants a return in my books!”—Natalie Khoo, Deputy Editor 

 

Pappardelle alla Bolognese, RM36 & Pizza Bresaola con Rucola, RM40 (medium)

Ribbon Pasta with Meat Sauce & Beef Bresaola Pizza

“I had the Beef Pappardelle Bolognese and the Beef Bresaola pizza to share, along with some other bites like the buffalo mozzarella caprese salad and fried vegetables. Overall, I was impressed with the dishes. The salad was a highlight (though that might just be because I’m a glutton for buffalo mozzarella), the pizza was a perfect bite-sized portion, and the pasta had the perfect balance of flavours for my tastes. The restaurant itself is so pretty and has a great atmosphere—it was fabulous for a work lunch but I can picture it being a really great option for date night too! Either way, I’ll be returning.” —Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor

 

Ravioli di Manzo, RM48 & Cake of the Day

Beef Ravioli & Chocolate Banana

 

“While I have to admit that I don’t know a whole lot about Italian cuisine, I was looking forward to having it at Osteria Emilia. As I scanned through the menu, one dish stood out to me: the beef ravioli. This was the first time I’ve ordered it, and it didn’t disappoint. The sauce is creamy but not overpoweringly so, and it pairs well with the ravioli.

“Since there’s always room for dessert, I also had a chocolate banana cake and it was the perfect way to end the lunch! I enjoyed its fudge-like texture with tiny bits of banana inside, and I wouldn’t mind having another round. Overall, I can see myself returning to the restaurant because it has a cosy setting and a variety of dishes to try.” —Benedict Unang, Fashion Writer

 

Linguine con Vongole e Capesante, RM40 & Cavolifiore & Brolli Fritti, RM16

Crispy Fried Cauliflower and Broccoli Florets 

“As a side, I ordered the Fried Cauliflower and Broccolini Florets because I love these two vegetables, and what more if they’re deep fried, right? When they arrived, I was surprised at the size as I initially thought the cauliflower and broccolini would be fried separately. Instead, the two greens were cooked together, resulting in several fist-sized vegetable meatballs! While I enjoyed the light batter and flavours, the florets were quite dense and filling. If the dish was half the size, I would have enjoyed it more.

“For my main, I got the Linguine con Vongole e Capesante. This didn’t completely hit the mark for me as the white wine was overpowering and I couldn’t taste the natural sweetness and brine from the clams. On the other hand, I do appreciate the generous servings of the clams and how plump they were. Overall, my meal at Osteria Emilia was pleasant enough and I would return to try other dishes from the restaurant.” —Marissa Chin, Lifestyle & Culture Writer

 

Fusilli al Pesto, RM44

Fusilli Pistachio Pesto

“As I’m a vegetarian, I opted for the Fusilli al Pesto. The homemade fusilli was perfectly al dente, and the pesto sauce offered creamy goodness. However, I was hoping for a bit more of a flavour kick, as the cream felt a little overpowering after several bites. Oh, I was truly happy to find lots of vegetarian-friendly options on the menu too!” —Eve Lyn Lau, Junior Web Designer

 

 

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